Ideas

Innovation

Imagination

The Plains Agency

Literary Representation

Having represented many notable authors over the years, literary representation remains the core focus of The Plains Agency. We’re committed to helping writers, both established and those just entering the world of publishing, find the right home.

Contract Negotiation

Ideas need protecting as well as agreements that cover the monetization, rights retention and contingencies of exploitation of an idea. We are well-versed and understand the art of negotiating a deal where all parties walk away from the table still liking each other.

Brand Identity

Have an idea? Pull up a chair and tell us about it. That’s really what we’re about…having a dialog. No idea is too small, or too big. We love working with people at every stage of the process. So contact us. Let’s have a virtual cup of coffee and see where the conversation takes us.

If you’re writing what you think will sell, stop it. Stop it right now. Write what you love. Characters you love. The writing will be better. Always.– Christi Cardenas

About Us

aka Who We Are

Literary Representation. Christi Cardenas founded The Plains Agency in 2008 after having spent the previous twelve years working with another literary agency. The focus for The Plains Agency today is on both commercial and literary fiction as well as books reflecting what’s current in popular culture. We take on projects we love and respect every inquiry that comes across our desk. It’s why we respond to each and every query. We know what it takes to take the step of asking someone to read what has been so painstakingly put on the page.

We’re fortunate to have several great partners in Los Angeles to assist with film and television interests as well as having aligned with the leading foreign agencies when translation rights are reserved on behalf of our authors.

If you’re perusing this site considering The Plains Agency for representation, we have three recommendations for you. First, read Amanda Palmer’s, The Art of Asking. We’re a bit obsessed with Amanda, not to mention that creative spouse of hers. Second, read Stephen King’s, On Writing. Just do it. And finally? Woo us with your query. Don’t tell us what you wrote, show us. Give us a sense of who you are while putting yourself out there. The query letter should take as much thought, angst, care as the first and last paragraph of your work.

And what’s with the intellectual property thing? Writing is intellectual property. Ideas are intellectual property. Over the years, The Plains Agency has taken on select non-literary projects as we have a knack for turning people’s ideas (big or small) into something that can be monetized. Christi Cardenas is often brought in to pull the right people into the room while negotiating transactions whether she has a client at the table or not because of her concise communication skills and her willingness to call it as she sees it.

Christi navigates her day with coffee in hand bringing people together, monetizing ideas and is inspired by the writers and talents she represents.

Sam RoenAssociate
Agent

Sam’s a writer, an agent, and keeps The Plains apprised of what’s new and interesting in the world of books and entertainment. He’s a smart bugger.

SnickersAmbassador of Buzz

Snickers is a dog and has been with The Plains Agency since the beginning. He likes to eat, sleep and tweet … Which is how he creates Buzz. Follow Him.

Let’s Chat

612.868.4066

If you’re pitching a book, please personalize your query and include the first ten pages of your project in the message below. Please don’t call to tell us about the book as we can’t appropriately discuss until we’ve reviewed your writing.